It is known that people easily perceive information about events that never happened, and are willing to believe in its authenticity. A meta-analysis of studies on this issue have shown that false memories can be forced on every second.
To illustrate the phenomenon of false memories is helping a fun experiment. Participants claim that the research is dedicated to childhood memories, and then give them a list of stories, compiled by their close relatives. Only one of these stories is a lie, invented by the psychologists. People ask all the details to describe these events, but the real scientists are only interested in the reaction to a decoy duck. It would seem, what could be easier than saying something I don’t remember the story. But no, people not only recognize what happened to them a fictional story, but told about the most incredible details.
People not only recognize what happened to them a fictional story, but told about the most incredible details.
For meta-analysis, published in the journal Memory, psychologists have identified several degrees of acceptance of false memories. People just had to remember non-existent events, but also to develop them to experience emotionally and vividly described. Using this scale, the researchers analyzed data from 400 volunteers participated in 8 thematic experiments.
It turned out that false memories have taken root in 50% of participants and 30% were able to develop them and to link with other events from his life.
This phenomenon may sound funny, but false memories are not only about the childhood. How effective in this case can be considered investigatory interviews if to convince people of the truth so easily? Moreover, belief in non-existent events can be triggered not only individuals, but entire groups of people by showing them false news and propaganda TV shows.
One conclusion: should be tested, even the information that seems credible. Especially if it comes from TV and the Internet.